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As Estate Agents in Cumbria with years of experience in the real estate industry, and having matched countless people with their dream property, we’re aware that choosing the perfect accommodation for your needs is not often a straightforward decision.

And, for many, knowing exactly where they want to live can be challenging as well, given that there is always a wealth of choices at your disposal. Many people seek a house or flat near schools and hospitals, for example, while other people favour closeness to transport, like bus and train, or even just a central location.

While choosing the location may be the easiest part of the search, you may still be left questioning which type of property best meets your needs as well as the level of ownerships and the length of such.

Do you prefer to rent or buy? Will a flat work for you best or is a house the right choice for you and your family? Take a look at the differences between the various styles of properties and you will find it easier to reach a decision:

Should You Opt for a House?

There are many advantages to choosing a house over a flat. One of the main reasons why so many people choose this type of property is the freedom given. A house tends to offer a lot more space than a flat, whether outside in the form of a garden or patio, or inside, in the form of more rooms.

It also provides a lot of mobility! Houses don’t need to have stairs, such as bungalows, which is great as you become older; flats, on the other hand, might require you to wait until a lift is free in order for you to reach your floor, for example.

Generally, flats are rented or bought as they are, meaning it’s unlikely that you will be looking to change its structure when you move in. However, you choose to live in a house, you’re more likely to perform design changes to your satisfaction. Modifying interiors and exteriors, adding expansions, and more, are a lot easier when you live in a house, so you can adapt to changes in circumstances as well, be it a new child or a new pet.

You also tend to have more privacy with a house, as sound doesn’t carry the same way as it does in a flat; this is especially important if you have neighbours above and below you, as it is usually the case with flats, so peace and quiet are often more achievable with a house.

You may also find it easier to park your car with a house, as most tend to have a garage or driveway.

All of this tends to make houses a better choice for families, especially because they’re more spacious and capable of being altered to fit growing demands.

Is a Flat More in Line with Your Needs?

There is a reason why so many people prefer flats to houses. Not only are flats often champion in the property sector, as they’re appreciated for how accessible and modern they can be, but they can also contribute to the lifestyle you’re looking for. Flats are generally centrally located, which means that if you need to be close to your job because you don’t have a car or simply do not wish to commute for very long, you might want to look into this style of property.

The trendy areas within a city are typically brimming with flats that offer the opportunity for many young professionals and couples to enjoy the varied food and activity scene as well as the bustling nightlife just a few minutes away from home. With flats, you do not need to worry about certain costs either, like the ones associated with upkeeping a garden.

However, you may have to pay servicing fees associated with the maintenance of communal areas and main doors, for example. Still, a house might not free you from these charges, because if you choose to live in a new build area, you may also encounter servicing fees, such as the maintenance of private roads.

If you’re in your early 20s, for instance, you might be starting out in your career or moving to explore a new town, so you may not be aware of where you want to live, or even how long for. Flats tend to offer shorter leases, so you can benefit from these shorter contracts that you can often roll over. This also means that you can move out with just one month’s notice and change to a different location within the same or a different city.

Flats also require less maintenance than houses, as they are generally smaller and with fewer windows to clean, floors to hoover and walls to paint.

Benefits of Renting

For many, renting a property is the right way to go. Renting comes with fewer concerns, as the landlord is the one responsible for fixing burst pipes, broken appliances and AC units. If you own the property, the repair bills will fall to you.

Renting also means that you have more freedom. Should you want to move away, you won’t be tied down for months while you try to sell your property; you can just move once a contract is up or whenever you need to, whether moving in with somebody else or a job change that requires a location change. You won’t have to obtain the financing often associated with purchasing property, such as loans, to rent a property either, so that’s money saved and debts you are not incurring – if you’re a young professional, this can make all the difference! Corrie and Co have a variety of property to rent in Cumbria, as well as buying.

Choosing to Buy

When you buy a property, it is yours. Renting means that you will never own the place you live in, so for people seeking stability and a place to grow a family, purchasing a property should be their go-to choice. After paying off the mortgage, you won’t have to worry about having to pay for a place to live. This is also an investment, as you can then spend your retirement as you wish, rather than being consumed by these repayments!

Making modifications to your home will be a lot easier if you own the property, as you won’t have to seek permission to improve it. Paying rent can cost moreover time, so owning your home can save you money in the long run too. However, there may be interest rates added to monthly payments of mortgage that you won’t find with renting.

By opting to buy, though, you also don’t have to worry about finding a place that will accommodate all of your needs, be it a large family or pets, as you can do as you please in your property.

Why Temporary Services Accommodation Can be the Right Solution

There are times, however, in which both renting and purchasing are not the right choice for you. If you’re a contractor or you need short-term accommodation because you’re on a work trip, you can definitely benefit from temporary housing.

Finding a home away from home can be challenging, which is why we offer Serviced Accommodation that starts at £160 per week and includes all of your bills. You won’t have to worry about anything, as we take care of it all. The modern communal shared space is perfect to socialise and each room comes with an en-suite and modern amenities that will make you feel right at home.

This type of property is perfect for anyone who does not want to set up bills or worry about furniture when they’re in town for just a few weeks or months.

Choosing the right property for you means considering your needs and how to best accommodate them. If you have a family, a house might be the perfect choice for you, while flats tend to suit young couples or professionals better. Downsizing or upsizing may also be a big factor in the equation.

Everyone is different, so you might prefer the flexibility that renting a flat offers, even if you have pets or a large family, in which case we’re here to help you to find the best property for you. You can find our full listings of properties for rent and houses for sale in Cumbria on our website. However, you don’t have to do the work yourself, just discuss your requirements with us on 0800 8620126 and Corrie & Co make sure the property of your dreams is yours

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What our customers are saying

I just wanted to personally thank you and the team for selling my parents house on Park Avenue and for going that extra mile for my parents. It’s really refreshing seeing your proprty boards in and around the Furness peninsular and surrounding areas. Once again, thank you.…